The company, which already boasts Europe’s largest onshore wind farm at Whitelee in the UK, has commenced work on what will become one of Scotland’s largest wind farms. The Arecleoch wind farm will have an installed capacity of 120 MW and will produce enough energy to power 67,000 homes.
The Arecleoch site will cover an area of 24 square kilometres and the initial phase of construction will involve laying 65 km of roads and tracks on the site to allow access for the delivery of the 60 turbines. Subsequently, the process of laying hundreds of kilometres of cables that will eventually connect the turbines to the electricity grid will begin. In total ScottishPower Renewables anticipate that more than 200 workers will be employed on the project.
Energy Minister, Jim Mather MSP, said “This is a welcome jobs boost that again highlights the massive potential of Scotland’s renewables sector. Scotland has won the natural lottery twice - once with oil and gas and again with our massive renewable energy potential. We have a clear competitive advantage with a quarter of Europe’s wind energy potential as well as years of technological expertise through our vibrant energy industry. I am determined that that we capitalise on these resources which is why we have approved 25 renewable energy projects since May 2007.”
The proposed Arecleoch wind farm is located on land encompassing an area of the Arecleoch and Kilgallioch Forest and adjacent moorland. Much of the site is commercial forestry plantation, and whilst some tree felling will be required to accommodate turbines, the remainder will continue to operate as a productive forest. This site was selected from around 70 candidates because of good wind resources, a lack of nature conservation or landscape designations, and its proximity to electricity grid.
Keith Anderson, Managing Director at ScottishPower Renewables, said “We are delighted to have officially started this major project, which will make a significant contribution towards Scotland’s carbon reduction targets. With many other major projects in the pipeline, the renewable energy sector in Scotland will continue to grow and provide employment opportunities.”
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